Gas chromatographic separation of cis-trans isomers: methyl oleate/methyl elaidate

The factors which contribute to the separation of methyl elaidate/methyl oleate are examined. These factors include the nitrile content of the stationary phase, the type and nature of the support surface as well as the amount of stationary phase and the column temperature. Baseline separation of the elaidate/oleate pair is obtained with either 15% SP-2340 or OV-275 on Chromosorb P AW-DMCS.